CORVALLIS – Oregon State flanker Victor Bolden isn't trying to be the next Brandin Cooks. Why put that much pressure on himself?

After all, Cooks set single-season school records in 2013 with 128 receptions for 1,730 yards and 16 touchdowns, was a consensus all-America, won the Biletnikoff Award, left school with a year of eligibility remaining and was selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints.

Those are big shoes to fill.

"I'm trying to be a great player, but I'm having a different mindset of filling his shoes," Bolden said. "I'm trying to be the best that I can be and be productive for this team. I'm not looking at it as I have to do what he did."

Bolden, a 5-foot-9, 175-pound sophomore from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., showed flashes last season as a true freshman that he could develop into a major weapon for the Beavers.

He had six receptions for 62 yards, was effective on the fly sweep with 12 carries for 95 yards and one touchdown, and as the primary kick returner amassed 1,198 yards, including a 98-yard touchdown against Washington.

Bolden was slowed by a hamstring injury this week, but he figures prominently into OSU's plans heading into the Aug. 30 season opener against Portland State.

"He is definitely that guy coming out of last year that can do some of the things we need him to do speed wise at receiver," OSU coach Mike Riley said.

Junior split end Richard Mullaney is the leading receiver back with 52 catches for 788 yards and three TDs last season. Junior slot receiver Malik Gilmore also will be counted on in the passing game, along with tight ends Connor Hamlett and Caleb Smith, and running backs Storm Woods and Terron Ward.

Bolden is the Beavers' primary deep threat.

"I think he's been developing more and more as a receiver," quarterback Sean Mannion said. "He's no longer just a fast guy. He's a fast guy who's a good rout runner."

A year of experience in the system has made a difference for Bolden.

"I definitely increased my IQ of the game and I think that's made me a better player," Bolden said.

Scrimmage set for Saturday: OSU will have a scrimmage as part of its practice Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m. at Reser Stadium. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

Sense of urgency: The Beavers have utilized more live action periods in fall camp than in past seasons, which in theory should help them prepare for the season.

OSU had tackling issues in last year's season opener and was upset by lower-division opponent Eastern Washington. Portland State, another FCS school, visits Reser Stadium on Aug. 30 in the 2014 opener.

"We've been working extremely hard," senior cornerback Steven Nelson said. 'Just going out and playing like it's our last play and we'll continue to do that."

Riley not too involved in scheduling: With the announcement Thursday that OSU would open its 2018 season at Ohio State, Riley was asked if he has much input in scheduling non-conference games.'

"I don't do much of the pre work," Riley said."These things come up and (athletic director Bob De Carolis says, 'what do you think?'"